with pierre pradervand
Some books you read, love, and return to again and again.
Other books you buy ten copies of at a time because you can’t stop giving them away.
The Gentle Art of Blessing is one of those books.
It is a gift.
As is its author, Pierre Pradervand.
resentment to blessing
I had the privilege of interviewing Pierre when he was well into his eighties. I barely have words to describe him. Wise. Gentle. Humble. Entirely without pretence. Simply being in his presence felt like a blessing.
For much of his life, Pierre dedicated himself to projects that sought to improve humanity. Yet, like so many of us, he found himself carrying resentment – towards people, towards institutions, and towards the very systems he was trying to change. It almost broke him.
Instead, he broke through.
the dictation
As Pierre describes it, this book was dictated to him. It tells the story of his own journey and shares the beautifully simple practice that has since transformed the lives of thousands of people around the world. Many of those stories are woven throughout its pages.
At the end of our conversation, Pierre left us with a reminder that has stayed with me ever since:
“You can bless anyone and anything. But most important, remember to bless yourself.”
This book is, quite simply, a blessing.
Buy it. Read it. Pass it on.
Thank you, Pierre, for your life, your example, and this extraordinary gift.
Watch my conversation with Pierre below. It’s one of the most beautiful interviews I’ve ever had the privilege to conduct.
